JPH0819759B2 - Modular scaffolding device and its joints - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular scaffolding system includes a plurality of interchangeable structural members, each having a circular cross section. Each member also has a plurality of holes drilled in its outer surface. The holes are located in a pattern that allows flexibility in connecting other structures to the circular member. A number of members are attached together to form a frame, and a scaffold is attached to the frame by appropriate means. The components of the modular scaffolding system may be formed into a variety of configurations, including roof-based and ground-based rolling scaffolds and a trolley-suspended scaffold which moves on a monorail. A moment-arm connecting joint and a pivoting composite connection are provided for connecting the components of the scaffolding system together so that scaffold exhibits a high degree of rigidity, while also providing adjustable angles between predetermined structural members.

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to scaffolding devices used in the construction and maintenance of buildings. In particular, it relates to a modular scaffolding device which is very suitable for use in various applications and at the same time has a high resistance to structural deformation under load.

Conventionally, various scaffolding devices have been used to provide craftsmen with the appropriate areas to perform work on various locations in a building or other structure. Such scaffolding devices are used in jobs ranging from siding on the exterior walls of buildings under construction to window washing of finished buildings.

Conventionally, when a scaffolding device is required for a specific work, the scaffolding device is assembled so that such work can be performed at one place in a building at a time. Normally, the assembled scaffolding device is incapable of moving from one location in the building to a habitual location.
Instead, scaffolding equipment often has to be disassembled before being moved and reassembled after moving to other parts of the building. Such prior art scaffolding devices require a significant amount of time and energy to disassemble and reassemble each time the device is moved. Generally, multiple parts of various sizes and shapes must be connected and disconnected one at a time during assembly and disassembly of the scaffold. Furthermore,
Workers involved in assembling scaffolds of this type often carry a safety risk because the step board is hung between the vertical supports. Normally, a vertical ladder is provided to hold both ends of the step board and an operator must climb the ladder to attach the step board to the ladder. Another problem with conventional scaffolding devices is the inability to change the level of various walkboards one by one without disassembling a significant portion of the scaffold.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,055 issued Nov. 18, 1980 and Mar. 3, 1981 to GLBeeche.
In the case of the scaffolding device described in US Pat. No. 4,253,548, many of the problems associated with prior art scaffolding devices are mitigated. U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,055 describes a mobile suspension scaffolding device that requires only one assembly and disassembly each at the beginning and at the end of work at each construction site. The disclosed scaffolding device is provided with a movable roof vehicle that allows the scaffolding to move around each face of the building and corners of the building without disassembly. A scaffold including a walk board is suspended from a roof car and is assembled by first starting at the top and working downwards, or starting at the ground and working upwards. The scaffold is suspended so that a plurality of walking boards can be placed at a predetermined level by utilizing the suspension itself. A particularly useful suspended scaffolding device is U.S. Pat.
It is a folding scaffold described in No. 253,548. The scaffold described therein uses a combination of collapsible end-links arranged in a series of mechanical relationships on multiple step boards, the scaffold being relatively compact for storage and transportation. It can be crushed into form and then spread to an upright position at the construction site. The step plate slidably engages the end support portion and can be raised and lowered independently of the rise and fall of the end support. Individual step plates are selectively attached to the end supports at the desired level as the end supports are unfolded, allowing the scaffolding device to be raised and lowered to different levels while standing upright.

Due to the increasing number and variety of scaffolding equipment required for modern building construction and maintenance, the problem posed is to build and maintain scaffolding tailored to the specific task assigned. Are in the demands imposed by. Designing and building scaffolding equipment that is uniformly adapted to all building construction or maintenance plans is time consuming and relatively expensive. What is needed is a scaffolding device that can be adapted to meet the needs of a wide range of applications. The device is also sufficiently rigid to provide a safe work area for craftsmen using the scaffold as well as their equipment.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a scaffolding device that can be easily adapted to a wide range of applications.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular scaffolding device capable of assembling a limited number of compatible components in various configurations.

Another object is to provide a device connection joint that provides the scaffolding device with high resistance to structural deformation and failure under load conditions.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a scaffolding device that allows access to various locations in the associated building or structure with minimal disassembly and reassembly of the scaffold.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention, a modular scaffolding device includes a plurality of compatible structural members. Each member has a circular cross section of a predetermined diameter. Further, each member is provided with a plurality of cylindrical openings defined on its outer surface at predetermined positions along its entire length and circumference. In addition, the apertures are in diametrically opposed positions, and straight pins such as bolts can be inserted into one of the apertures and inserted through the center of the circular member to exit the other aperture. A predetermined structural member is integrally attached by a plurality of connection joints to form a frame. Each joint includes a coupling device disposed through the at least one pair of openings in the structural member. Further, the connection joint is configured such that the mounting member exhibits high resistance to structural deformation caused by torsional and radial load forces acting on each member. The scaffolding device according to the invention is further provided with a scaffold of the type having at least two support columns and a plurality of horizontal walking boards configured to be connected to vertical columns at a predetermined level. The scaffolding device of the present invention also includes a device for attaching vertical support posts to the frame of the structural member.

Another feature of the present invention provides a structure that exhibits high resistance to structural deformation under load conditions. Moment arm connection joints for attaching members of circular cross section to other structural members have support plate brackets with arcuate surfaces. The radius of curvature of the arcuate surface is approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the circular member and the bracket is arranged such that its curved surface is proximate to and at least partially surrounds the outer surface of the circular member. The circular member is fastened to the support plate bracket so as to generate a force that acts on the member in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane extending tangentially to the curved surface of the bracket. A pivoting composite fitting for attaching two structural members together in a hinged connection includes a male hinge portion attached to one of the members and a male hinge portion attached to the other member. A substantially cylindrical hinge pin hole is formed in the male portion and extends therethrough. The male portion is provided with a pair of hinge flanges with cylindrical openings extending therethrough. The flanges are separated by a distance corresponding to the entire length of the hinge pin hole, and are further arranged so that the longitudinal axis of each flange hole is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the hole. A pivoting sleeve having the shape of a hollow cylinder is placed in each flange hole so as to extend through the opening and into the hole. A hinge pin is placed inside each pivot sleeve and each pivot sleeve and associated hinge pin are arranged to prevent the male hinge portion from laterally moving relative to the male hinge portion. There is.

Brief Description of the Drawings The subject matter regarded as the invention is pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, both the structure and the implementation method of the present invention, together with other objects and advantages, are best understood from the following description given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a scaffolding device according to a first embodiment of the modular concept of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of a scaffolding device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of a scaffolding device constructed according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a part of a pillar support arm for attaching a scaffolding monorail to a part of a structure where the scaffolding is to be provided according to the present invention Sectional side view, FIG. 5 is a partial sectional side view of a moment arm connection joint according to another aspect of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a pivot for connecting two structural members together according to the present invention. 7a, 7b and 7c are side views of a partial cross section of the synthetic connector, showing a scaffold for use in the modular scaffolding device of the present invention, respectively,
FIG. 8 is an end view and a top view, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a scaffold supported from the top constructed according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an end sectional view schematically showing one embodiment of the trolley suspension scaffold according to the present invention. Fig. 10 is a side view schematically showing another embodiment of a scaffold which can be constructed by the modular scaffolding device of the present invention, and Figs. 11a and 11b show a caster wheel selective to a supporting member. FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a device for positioning the scaffolding frame, where the scaffolding frame is selectively supported by caster wheels and support pods, respectively.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a scaffold that can be assembled with the modular scaffolding device of the present invention. Other examples of scaffold configurations that can be formed using the same modular concept are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. All three of the illustrated scaffold configurations are quickly and easily assembled using the same basic components. In accordance with the present invention, a modular scaffolding device for gaining access to various locations of a structure includes a plurality of compatible structural members 10. Each of the members 10 has a circular cross section and all of the members 10 have the same predetermined diameter. Preferably, member 10 also has one of a limited number of predetermined standard lengths to increase the modularity of the scaffolding device. For example, most scaffolding applications are found to be 2.4m (8ft) and 4.8m (16ft) and 7.2m according to the present invention.
It can be filled with a combination of members with standard lengths of (24 feet) and 9.6 m (32 feet). Due to the versatility of assembly of the components of the present invention, the use of "special order" length components is generally not required. Each member 10
Further, a plurality of cylindrical openings 12 are defined and provided on the outer surface thereof. The openings 12 are placed at predetermined positions along the entire length and circumference of each member 10, and the paired openings 12 are placed at diametrically opposed positions with respect to the circular cross section of the member 10. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the opening 12 is perforated in the member 10 so as to be located at one of four predetermined locations on the outer periphery of the member 10. For each such circumferential position, openings 12 are arranged along the axial length of member 10 such that the distance between the centers of adjacent openings 12 is 0.3 mm (1 foot). According to the invention it has also been found that the axial position of the openings forming the axial rows at one circumferential position can be offset with respect to the openings forming the axial rows at adjacent circumferential positions. It is useful. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, four rows of axial openings 12 are provided, each row being 90 ° to one another.
The members 10 are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the member 10 so as to be separated from each other. For each axial row of apertures 12, the axial position of one row of apertures is offset from that of the adjacent row of apertures, so that the axial position of one row of apertures is the axial position of the adjacent row of apertures. Come in the middle of the direction. With openings 12 arranged this way, a 90 ° rotation of the tube results in two different mounting openings that are axially separated by 6 inches, so that the available distance between the openings is 0.3 m (1 Effective at 15.24 cm (6 inches) instead of feet. Such staggered openings 12 also prevent any bolting interference that occurs when mounting other structures or components into diametrically opposed paired openings 12. Preferably, all of the openings 12 have the same diameter and bolts of one diameter are used to attach the other structure to any one or group of openings 12. Also, if it is necessary to assemble the members 10 end-to-end, it is preferable to form the openings so that the pattern of openings 12 continues along the entire combined span of the members.

The circular cross-sectional shape of the member 10 imparts uniform strength characteristics to the member 10 on all loaded surfaces. For this principle,
The same applies to the use of semi-circular arches in superior structures for bearing radial downward loads applied to the center of the arm. In such a configuration, the force exerted on the arch by the load is directed along the circumference of the arch from the center of the arch to its ends. Therefore, the bending force generated by the weight is converted into a compressive force directed along the entire length of the arch. For these reasons, members of circular cross section effectively comprise their own bracing, thereby imparting extremely high span strength to the member. Such a member also provides its own diaphragm over its entire length which minimizes so twisting motion, thereby imparting high torsional strength to the member. Of course, maximum span and torsional strength for a member having a particular diameter is obtained when the member has a solid interior. However, for applications such as scaffold construction, it is desirable to use hollow members to save weight and cost. In accordance with the present invention, a hollow aluminum tube having an outer diameter of 20.32 cm (8 inches) and a wall thickness of 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) exhibits sufficient span strength and torsional strength to provide structural support for many scaffold construction applications. It was confirmed that the requirements were met. Further, this size of tubing is easily handled by two workers during scaffold assembly or disassembly. It is self-evident that if a stronger member is required, a member with a larger diameter and / or wall thickness can be used without violating the principles of the present invention.

Each member 10 may be used as a pillar, mast, boom, truss chord, single beam or continuous beam. In the modular scaffolding device of the present invention, a predetermined number of members 10 are integrally attached by a plurality of connection joints 14 and 16 to form a frame. Each of the connecting joints 14 and 16 is at least one of a pair of diametrically opposed openings 12 of the structural member 10.
A coupling device that extends through the two. Joints 14 and 16 are further configured to provide high resistance to structural deformations to which attached member 10 is subjected to torsional and radial loading forces acting on it.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, certain of the structural members 10 are also hingedly attached together by a plurality of pivotal connections 18 so that the attached members 10 align with each other. be able to. Preferably, each pivotal connection 18 includes a coupling device arranged to extend through at least one pair of diametrically opposed openings 12 of member 10.
The connector 18 is configured so that the hinged member is highly resistant to structural deformation caused by the torsional and radial loading forces exerted on it. Due to this configuration of the pivot connection 18, the angle between the members 10 can be varied while maintaining strength in the non-pivot plane.

A connection joint, which is sometimes useful for rigidly attaching members 10 together, is shown schematically in FIG. As shown here, the moment arm connection joint for attaching the first structural member 40 having a circular cross-section to the second structural member 42 is the second
It has a support plate bracket 44 attached to the member 42. The bracket 44 includes an arcuate surface 46 having a radius of curvature approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the member 40. Further, the bracket 44 is arranged such that the surface 46 is proximate to and at least partially surrounds the member 40. The support plate bracket 44 is shown in FIG. 4 as comprising a portion of the structural member 42. However, the bracket 44 can also be attached to the member 42 by conventional means such as welding or bolts. The moment arm connection joint of the present invention also brackets member 40 to generate a force on member 40 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the tangentially extending surface of arcuate surface 46.
A device is provided for coupling to 44. Preferably, the coupling device used is configured to exert an adjustable amount of force on member 40. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 5, the coupling device comprises at least one extending over the diameter of the circular member 40.
It consists of a bolt of books. This bolt 50 has its head near the outer surface of the member 40, and the bolt 50 is
It is arranged so as to be fastened to the bracket 44 by a screw device attached to 44. The screw device is threaded to fit the screw on the bolt 50. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the screw device mounted on the bracket 44 comprises a nut 52. In another embodiment (not shown), the bolt 50 is screwed onto a tap screw formed on the bracket 44.
Also, although only one bolt 50 is shown in FIG. 5, the member 40 can be bracketed using one or more bolts.
May be combined with 44.

In the case of the joint shown in FIG. 5, when a load is applied to the member 40 in the downward direction, the force generated by this load is converted into the tensile force with respect to the bolt 50. Assuming that the bracket 44 does not have the curved surface 46 and thus the member 40 is bolted directly to the vertical column 56, the load member 40 will exert a downward force on the bolt 50 primarily in the shear direction. Furthermore, without the surface 46, the tightening bolt 50 creates a force on the member 40 that tends to crush the outer surface of the member at the point of contact with the vertical post 56 of the member 40. However, when the outer surface of member 40 is joined to a surface having the same radius of curvature as surface 46, etc., a moment arm is created between the joining point and the circumferential ends of arcuate surface 46. Via this moment arm, the downward force on the member 40 is converted into a tensile force on the device which couples the member 40 to the surface 46. The significance of converting this loading force into a tensile force by shearing force is that the tensile strength of many materials is younger and higher than its shearing strength. Of course, the longer the circumference of the surface 46, the greater the generated moment. It has been found according to the invention that an aluminum tube with an outer diameter of 20.32 cm (8 inches) and a wall thickness of 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) and a circumferential length of about 15.24 cm (6 inches) for surface 46 is good. I gave a good result.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the coupling device is such that the force generated by the coupling device on the member 40 is at least partially on the outer surface of the member diametrically opposed to the portion of the member 40 located near the bracket 44. It is arranged to work. Bolt 50
The bolt 50 can be tightened so that a preload force is exerted on the entire cross section of the member 40 by configuring the structure as shown in FIG. However, a moment arm can also be generated by placing the bolt 50 near the inner surface of the portion of the member 40 that engages the head of the bolt 50 with the surface 46 of the bracket 44. In addition, the bolt 50 is face 46
It is desirable, but not necessary, to extend through the center of the circumference of the. Moment arms can also be obtained by joining members 40 at any point other than the lower circumferential edge of surface 46.

In order to prevent the pulling force generated by the coupling device from deforming the outer surface of the member 40, the connection joint of the present invention further includes the force generated by the coupling device over a predetermined portion of the surface of the member 40 on which this force acts. It is preferable to provide a device for a substantially even distribution. As shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the force distribution device includes a washer plate 54.
Is included. The washer plate 54 has an arc-shaped washer plate surface 58 having a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of the outer surface of the member 40. The washer plate 54 is disposed between the head of the bolt 50 and the outer surface of the member 40 so that the surface 58 is close to the outer surface of the member 40 and the head of the bolt 50 causes the member 40 to move.
The force acting on the outer surface of the member is distributed substantially evenly over the surface area of the member on the outer surface of member 40 which is proximate to surface 58. If desired, the washer plate 54 may be a vertical post 56 shown in FIG.
It may be further strengthened by a vertical column similar in shape to.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a pivoting connection which is advantageously used in the modular scaffolding device according to the invention, for attaching two structural members together in a hinged relationship. The pivoting synthetic connector shown here includes a male hinge portion 60 attached to the first structural member 62 and a female hinge portion 64 attached to the second structural member 66.
Is included. The male portion 60 has a generally cylindrical hinge pin hole 68 formed therein and extending therethrough. The female part 64 includes a pair of hinge flanges 70 separated by a distance corresponding to the entire length of the hinge pin holes 68. Each flange 70 is provided with a substantially cylindrical opening therethrough, which is not shown in FIG. Female part
64 is located opposite the male part 60 and the flange 70 is further
It is provided that the longitudinal axis of the opening of each flange 70 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the hole 68. A hollow cylindrical pivot sleeve 72 is disposed within each flange opening so as to extend through the flange openings and further through the holes 68. A generally cylindrical hinge pin 74 is disposed within each pivot sleeve 72 such that the pivot sleeve 72 and associated hinge pin 74 allow the female hinge portion 64 to be male in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bore 68. Movement relative to the hinge portion 60 is prevented while at the same time the female portion 64 is allowed to rotate about the same longitudinal axis relative to the male hinge portion 60.

In the case of a pivotal connection of the type shown in FIG. 6, maximum shear stress occurs at the interface between male hinge portion 60 and flange 70. By placing the pivot sleeve 72 between the hinge pin 74 and the portion of the flange 70 that defines the generally cylindrical opening, additional shear resistant material is "laminated" on the hinge pin 74 material.
To be done. In this way, the shear strength of the compound pivot connector can be significantly improved without increasing the diameter of the hinge pin 74. In the case of the modular scaffolding device of the present invention, the pivotal connection configuration shown in FIG. 6 provides the device with adequate strength while at the same time making it economical in terms of cost and using metal fittings that can be assembled using ordinary tools. It will be possible. Of course, for maximum shear strength, the hinge pin 74 is made of a solid cylinder.

For scaffolding applications, hinge pin 74 preferably comprises a bolt extending through hole 68, which is fastened to a screw device to hold it in place. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the screw system consists of a nut in close proximity to one of the flanges 70. In another embodiment, the bolts are screwed into tapped holes formed in the flange 70. In yet another embodiment, two bolts are used in place of the hinge pin 74, and these two bolts are inserted from both ends of the pivot sleeve 72, and each bolt is a tap screw formed inside the hole 68. Fixed. Furthermore, the pivot sleeve 72 is located at the axial end of the bore 68 rather than extending through the bore 68.
It may be divided into different pieces of the book. In yet another embodiment, further pivot sleeves located at opposite ends of bore 68 are connected together by an intermediate structure formed of a material different from the material forming the pivot sleeves. In such a configuration, a lightweight material having a relatively low shear strength such as plastic is preferably used to connect the pivot sleeves.

In order to maximize the rigidity of the pivot connection of the present invention, the inner diameter of the opening in each flange 70 and each pivot sleeve 72.
The outer diameter of each of the pivot sleeves 70 and the inner diameter of the portion of the bore 68 containing each pivot sleeve 70 are all closely interlocked between the outer diameter of each pivot sleeve 72 and the inner surface of the adjacent bore 68 and the opening of the flange 70. Are sized to form each other. In an example of such an embodiment, the outer diameter of the hinge pin 74 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve 72, and the inner diameter of the hole 68 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner cylindrical opening of each flange 70. To minimize extra play in the joint, the pivot sleeve 72 and associated hinge pin 74 have a hinge pin 74 that allows the pivot sleeve 72 to have a hole 68.
The morphology is provided to prevent axial movement of the. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the pivot sleeve 72 is unrolled at one end thereof, and when the hinge pin 74 is locked in place, the enlarged end of the pivot sleeve 72 is one of the flanges 70 and the bolt containing the hinge pin 74. It is clamped between either the head of the nut combination or the nut. Other forms can be used to perform the function of holding the pivot sleeve 72 in place. For example, depending on the field of use, it may be preferable to press fit the pivot sleeve 72 in place.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 10 to 11, the modular scaffolding device of the present invention includes a device for allowing a free running motion on the supporting surface of the frame of the structural member. Is provided. The swirling device preferably includes a plurality of casters 20 mounted on a frame, which is composed of a structural member 10, and the casters 20 are arranged so that the frame can rotate on a support surface. Each caster 20 preferably includes a fastening device adapted to extend through at least one pair of diametrically opposed openings 12 of member 10. The caster 20 is provided with a brake so that the caster 20 can be locked at a predetermined steering angle position and the frame can travel along a predetermined passage. As better shown in FIG. 11a, each caster 20 also has an adjusting device for adjusting the height between the supporting surface and the structural member 10 on which the caster 20 is mounted, one by one.
82 are included. Each caster 20 also includes a vertical support barrel member 84.
And a device for selectively positioning the wheels 86 with respect to the barrel member 84, in one position the weight of the frame is carried by the wheels 86 as shown in FIG. 11a.
In the other position, the weight of the frame is supported by the barrel member 84 as shown in Figure 11b. In the embodiment shown in Figures 11a and 11b, the knee jack 88 is configured so that selective positioning is accomplished by moving the lever 90 from a horizontal position to an upright position.

To provide additional stability to the scaffolding device, at least one counterweight, such as counterweight 22, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, may be attached to the frame of structural member 10. Each counterweight 22 is arranged so as to prevent the frame of the member 10 from falling over due to the force generated by the weight of the scaffolding component attached to the other end. If a longer moment arm is needed for the counterweight 22, a telescoping boom is used to attach one end to one of the members 10 and the other end to the counterweight 22 to counterbalance the frame 22. May be connected.

Instead of using counterweight 22 or a combination thereof, at least one outrigger 24 may be used to provide stability to the scaffolding device. Outrigger 24 is the second
As shown, each of the outriggers is hingedly pivoted to the frame of member 10 so that its position relative to the frame can be adjusted. Each outrigger 24 is further arranged to provide additional support between the frame and the support surface and to prevent the frame from tipping over due to the forces exerted on the frame by the weight of the scaffolding components attached thereto. It

Scaffolding members as described above form a modular scaffolding device that can be easily adapted to provide a wide range of scaffolding configurations. The interchangeable member 10 is used as a building block which serves both as a structural member and as a device for the mounting connection of other components. Multiple openings 12 in member 10
This makes it easy to integrally connect the respective members 10 into virtually any shape or form. For example, the frame of member 10 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 as having the shapes of the letters "H", "Y", and "T", respectively. Connecting joint to form member 10 into a continuous span
They may be attached to each other in the state where the end portions are vertically in contact with each other by 16 or may be attached to each other at an angle by the connection joint 14 and the pivot connection tool 18. Apertures 12 also provide attachment points for attachments assembled to member 10 in three different planes. The members 10 may be attached together to provide structural rigidity in at least two planes using the moment arm connection joint and pivotal compound connection of the present invention. The flexibility of the structural member connections and the adjustable angle between each member according to the present invention provide the scaffolding device with the ability to set and stabilize in close proximity to roof or ground obstacles. The support structure of the present invention is usually constructed and arranged to minimize the span distance between adjacent supports and the frame of members 10 is configured to best support scaffolding loads in the field of application. When the scaffold has to be moved, the various frame parts can be made to telescopically or rock out of each other and the scaffold can be configured to move around obstacles in question. Adjustable height casters as shown in Figure 11a may be used to raise the scaffolding frame to pass over the roof mounted object, or when the casters are placed on an uneven surface the frame is leveled. Can be kept. Since the scaffolding device of the present invention can be easily assembled and disassembled, the scaffolding frame can be assembled even in the vicinity of obstacles such as columns and roof ventilation holes in the application field having a very limited access area, and the frame can be moved. It can be quickly decomposed when necessary.

The modular scaffolding components of the present invention are assembled to form a ground-based unit or a roof-based unit, and any unit type may be fixed or mobile. The scaffolding is configured to follow the work starting from the ground and up, or starting from the roof and working down. A cantilever is attached to the frame of the member 10 in a few different planes to allow overhang such as wall corners, arch undersides, and obstacles that obstruct the edge approach on the roof. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a top-supported scaffold according to the present invention,
This scaffold can be used, for example, to gain access to the underside of a building's arch. Frame of structural member (not shown in FIG. 8) such that the supporting member 92 is normally placed on the roof of a building
Mounted on A first cross member 94 is rigidly attached to the support member 92 by a moment arm connection joint 96. Similarly, a vertical support member 98 is attached to the first cross member 94 and a second cross member 100 is rigidly attached to the vertical member 98. The suspension member 102 is likewise rigidly attached to the second cross member 100 by a moment arm connection joint 96. Next, the walk board 104 is hung to support the support member 1
Located between 02 and mounted in any conventional manner.
Using the moment arm connection joint of the present invention,
The three-dimensional extended scaffold shown in the figure can be made virtually continuous.

2 and 3 show a scaffold constructed according to the present invention. In this structural example, a predetermined number of members 10 are integrally attached to form a monorail 26. At least two trolleys 28 are configured and hung from the monorail 26 so that they can rotate along the entire length of the monorail 26 while at the same time suspending loads from each trolley 28. End caps 32 are attached to both ends of the monorail 26 to prevent the trolley 28 from running beyond the ends of the monorail 26. Connection joint 16 and monorail for connecting a plurality of members 10 integrally in a vertical relationship by contacting end portions with each other
A device for supporting the monorail 26 at any suitable location along the entire length of the 26 can be used to extend the monorail 26 to travel the full length of the structure to be scaffolded. Another trolley device is mounted on the material feed track 34 to provide easy access to the materials needed by the craftsmen using the scaffolding device of the present invention. The track 34 is rigidly attached to the monorail 26 by the moment arm connection joint 14. The monorail 26 further includes a curved portion 36 that is arranged so that the monorail 26 follows the contours of the structure to be formed as shown in FIG.

The monorail 26 is supported by a variety of frame configurations, such as the H-shaped and Y-shaped frames shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the T-shaped frame shown in FIG. The monorail 26 can also be supported by structures attached to the building structure itself, such as steel columns in the building's basic facility. One example of such a structure is the column support arm 38 in FIG. The column support arm 38 is shown in more detail in FIG. That is, each column arm support is provided with a monorail support bracket 106 attached to one column 110. This fourth
In the illustrated embodiment, the support bracket 106 is attached to the column 110 by a column clamp 108. For each bracket 106, the corresponding connecting joint is attached to the monorail. Each such connecting joint includes a fastener arranged to extend through at least one pair of diametrically opposed apertures in the structural member 10 comprising the monorail 26. The connection joint preferably comprises the moment arm connection joint of the present invention. A monorail support arm 112 is placed between the monorail support bracket 106 and the associated monorail connection joint 14. The arm 112 is shaped so that its total length can be adjusted by the sliding portion 114 and the retaining plate 116. Pivot connector 18 is an arm
Located at both ends of 112. Pivot connector 18 is arranged to hinge each end of arm 112 to bracket 106 and connecting joint 114. Pivot connector 18 preferably comprises the pivot compound connector of the present invention.

Further, the scaffolding device of the present invention comprises a scaffold of the type having at least two vertical support posts and a plurality of horizontal stepboards configured to be connected to the support posts at a predetermined level. ing. The scaffolding device is also provided with a device for attaching the vertical support columns to the frame formed by the structural elements 10.

One example of a scaffold used in the present invention is shown in Figures 7a to 7c.
It is shown schematically in the figure. Vertical support pillar 118 is mounting point 120
Is attached to the frame of the structural member 10. Horizontal walkboard 122 connects its ends to vertical support posts 118,
It is configured so that it can be attached to the pillar 118 at a predetermined level. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 7c, the step board 122 is provided with a flip door 128 to provide a safe and convenient device for the worker to move from one height of the scaffold to another. There is. To further enhance safety for the worker, the scaffolding includes guardrails 124 associated with each step board 122. Each guardrail 124 has a rigid vertical support post 118 so that the guardrails 124 are positioned substantially horizontally at a given level between the posts 118.
Mounted on To provide maximum rigidity to the scaffolding, the columns 118 are provided with bracing ledges 126 arranged to effectively transform the support columns 118 into trusses.

The scaffolding may be suspended from the frame of the member 10 as shown in FIG. 1 or suspended from the monorail 26 as shown in FIG. When suspended from a frame, the scaffold used in the present invention comprises one of the scaffolds described in US Pat. Nos. 4,253,548 and 4,234,055 already mentioned and cited herein. In one embodiment, the scaffold is suspended from the frame by a pair of suspension cable attachments mounted to the frame and a pair of suspension cables attached to the cable attachment, the cables being cabled through the space where the scaffolding is to be constructed. Extends downward from. In this example,
The scaffolding includes a pair of vertical support pole chains, arranged so that the vertical poles of each chain are end-to-end foldably joined together and the poles are generally vertical to each cable. Extends to. At the top of each chain is attached a device for grasping the associated cable and moving the pole chain up or down. Further, the scaffold is provided with a plurality of step plates extending substantially horizontally between chains of vertical columns, and each step plate can move vertically with respect to the vertical columns of the chain. The scaffolding is further provided with means for attaching each stepboard selectively and individually to each vertical pole chain and associated cables at a given level.

This same type of cable suspension can be used to attach other types of scaffolding vertical columns to the frame of structural member 10. For these types of scaffolds, the attachment device includes at least two suspension beam connections mounted to the frame and at least two scaffold suspension cables suspended from the frame. The suspension beam is attached to the support column such that the vertical support column is suspended below the beam. The suspension beam is further arranged to be selectively connectable to either a suspension beam connector or a scaffold suspension cable.

As an alternative to the cable suspension as described above, the vertical support posts for the scaffold may be rigidly attached to the frame of the structural member 10 as shown in FIG. The scaffolding attachment shown here has at least two connecting joints 14 that rigidly attach a vertical post 130 to a given structural member 10. Each joint 14 includes a fastening device arranged to extend through at least one pair of diametrically opposed openings 12 in member 10.

Another device for attaching vertical columns of scaffolding to the frame of structural member 10 is the monorail
It is a trolley device. Similar to the monorail shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the monorail 26 is composed of a predetermined structural member 10. At least two trolleys 28 are suspended from the monorail 26, and at least one trolley 28 can be attached to each vertical pole. The trolley 28 is provided with a C-shaped bracket 132 to which at least one weight supporting roller 134 and at least one guide roller 136 are attached. The rollers 134 and 136 are arranged so that the trolley 28 can travel along the entire length of the monorail 26 and at the same time the load is suspended from the trolley. The trolley 28 also includes a mounting tab 138 to which the vertical post of the scaffold is directly attached. When the vertical column 140 is attached to the trolley 28 as shown in FIG. 9, especially when the center of gravity of the scaffold is not located directly below the center of the monorail 26 due to the weight of the scaffold or other force exerted on the trolley 28 by the moment arm. , Trolley 28
May be rotated slightly around the outer surface of monorail 26. For such a scaffolding device, the trolley bracket 132 has a lock pin 142 penetrating therethrough and a structural member.
It is preferable to form a lock pin hole that can be inserted into at least one of the plurality of ten openings 12. The lock pin hole and lock pin 142 are further restrained from moving the trolley 28 relative to the monorail 26 when the lock pin 142 is inserted in place. This stopping force is further provided by the member 10 of the monorail 26 when the lock pin 142 is inserted in place.
The opening 12 extending through the inside of the bracket and located diametrically opposite the opening 12 near the hinge pin hole formed in the bracket 132.
It is increased by designing the form of the lock pin 142 to extend to the outside of the twelve.

The vertical support posts of the scaffold are also attached to the trolley 28 by cable suspensions similar to those already described for the various types of feet used in the present invention. When this type of cable suspension is used in the present invention, the scaffold is further provided with a device for suspending the step board from the suspension cable when the step board is not connected to the vertical posts. The suspension system is configured to allow the walk plate to move vertically with respect to the vertical support columns of the scaffold by suspension cables when the suspension beams are connected to a pair of suspension beam fittings mounted on either the frame or trolley. Has been done.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a ground-based multi-stage scaffolding assembly that utilizes the modular scaffolding device of the present invention. A plurality of scaffolding steps, similar to the scaffolding shown in Figure 7a, are stacked one above the other, with both ends of the vertical support post 118 at the mounting points
Are attached to each other by. Although not shown in FIG. 10, structural member 10 is used to form the frame that serves as the base for the scaffolding stage. A bottom scaffolding vertical column 118 is attached to the structural member by the moment arm connection joint of the present invention. Also, the steering caster 20
The casters 20 are also attached to structural members, and the height of the casters 20 can be adjusted individually so that the casters 20 can be kept horizontal when traveling on uneven terrain. The scaffolding device shown in FIG. 10 further includes at least two cables 144 attached to vertical support posts 118. Each cable 144 extends diagonally between the vertical columns of each scaffolding stage. The scaffolding device also has horizontal walking boards
Each cable 1 so that the vertical columns are aligned with the line that is almost perpendicular to 122.
A device for adjusting tension on 44 is included. 10th
In the illustrated embodiment, the tension adjustment device includes a turnbuckle 146.
It is composed of The scaffolding device shown here also has vertical columns 11
A cable clamp 148 attached to 8 is included. After adjusting the tension of each cable 144 and centering the vertical column 118,
Tighten each cable clamp tool 148 to tighten the cable 144
Is fixed in place with respect to the column 118.

So far, a modular scaffolding device has been described that allows a limited number of compatible parts to be easily assembled into various configurations. The flexibility afforded by the modular scaffolding device of the present invention allows the construction of scaffolds for very almost any structure with very few or no custom parts. The scaffolding device is readily adaptable to a wide range of applications including the construction and maintenance of various structures such as houses and skyscrapers, amusement park facilities and oil well drilling equipment. The present invention also provides a connection joint that exhibits high resistance to structural deformation and failure under load conditions. These joints are particularly useful for firmly attaching various parts of the scaffolding device together. Further, the scaffolding device of the present invention provides access to various parts of the building or structure of the scaffold with minimal disassembly and reassembly of the scaffold.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention may be described in detail above, many modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art. For example, although many of the parts of the scaffolding device are illustrated as being made of metal, other materials with sufficient mechanical strength for the application can be used as well. Therefore, the appended claims are to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-51-149451 (JP, A) JP-A-50-73055 (JP, A) JP-A-49-32425 (JP, A) JP-A-61-24765 (JP , A) JP-A-50-72061 (JP, A) Actual opening Sho-60-179741 (JP, U) Actual opening Sho-59-186338 (JP, U) Actual opening Sho-60-117947 (JP, U) Actual opening Sho 59-175542 (JP, U) Actually opened 54-113701 (JP, U) Special public 55-11050 (JP, B1) Actual public 49-19633 (JP, Y1) Actual public 64-2905 (JP, Y1) U.S. Pat. No. 56-43475 (JP, Y2) US Patent 3082843 (US, A) US Patent 4078633 (US, A) US Patent 4253548 (US, A) US Patent 3204721 (US, A)

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. A modular scaffolding device for enabling access to various parts of a structure, each having a circular cross-section with a predetermined diameter and having a predetermined position along the entire length and circumference of its outer surface. A plurality of interchangeable structural members having a plurality of cylindrical openings defined in, the pairs of openings being arranged diametrically opposite each other with respect to the circular cross section; A fastener disposed to extend through at least one of the pair of openings to integrally define a predetermined portion of the structural member to form a mounting frame, the mounted member exerting a torsional and radial load on the member. A plurality of connection joints formed in a form having high resistance to structural deformation caused by force, at least two vertical support columns, and formed so as to be connected at a predetermined level of the vertical support columns It And a plurality of the scaffold comprising horizontal running board, said vertical support posts and including modular scaffolding device, a device for attachment to a frame of the structural member. 2. Each of the connecting joints includes an arcuate surface having a radius of curvature approximately equal to a radius of curvature of an outer surface of the circular structural member, the arcuate surface being adjacent an outer surface of one of the members and A support plate bracket that at least partially surrounds the outer surface, the adjacent structural member is fastened to the support plate bracket, and a force is applied to the member in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane extending tangentially to the arcuate surface of the bracket. A device according to claim 1 including a generating device. 3. A plurality of pivot connectors to which certain of said structural members are hingedly attached together so that said predetermined members can adjust their positions relative to each other. Device according to paragraph 1. 4. The pivotal connector includes securing means disposed to extend through at least one of the pair of openings in the structural member, the pivotal connector further comprising a hinged member. A device according to claim 3 shaped to exhibit high resistance to structural deformations caused on the member by torsion and radial loading forces. 5. Each of the pivot connectors is attached to one of the members and has a male hinge portion formed therein with a generally cylindrical hinge pin hole extending therethrough, the member comprising: Attached to the other one, there is a pair of hinge flanges separated by a distance equal to the length of the hinge pin holes, each of the flanges having a generally cylindrical opening extending therethrough. A male hinge portion disposed relative to the male hinge portion and wherein the flange and the opening are arranged such that a respective longitudinal axis of the opening is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the hole; A male sleeve with pivot sleeves disposed in each of the flange openings and extending from the openings into the bores and having a general shape of a hollow cylinder; and associated pivot sleeves within each of the pivot sleeves. The hinge part is in front Approximately arranged to be restrained from moving relative to the male hinge portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hole, while being rotatable relative to the male hinge portion about the longitudinal axis. A hinged pin of the same tubular shape, and the device according to claim 3. 6. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a device for allowing free rotational movement of the frame of the structural member on a support surface. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the rotating device has a plurality of casters mounted on the frame of the structural member so that the frame of the structural member can rotate on the support surface. . 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the casters has a fastener arranged to extend through at least one of the pair of openings in the structural member. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the casters has a device for individually adjusting the height between the support surface and a structural member of the frame on which the caster is mounted. . 10. A caster is provided with a brake,
Claim 7: It is possible to lock at a predetermined steering angle position.
Device according to paragraph. 11. Each of the casters is at least one.
Wheels, a vertical support pod, the pod such that in one position the frame is supported by the wheels on the support surface and in another position the frame is supported by the pod on the surface. Device for selectively locating the wheel with respect to the device according to claim 7. 12. A structural member having at least one counterweight attached to a frame thereof, each counterweight adapted to prevent the frame from tipping over due to a force exerted on the frame by the weight of the scaffold. 7. A device according to claim 6 arranged to restrain. 13. At least one projecting beam hingedly hinged to the frame, each of the projecting beams being individually adjustable in height relative to the frame, each of the projecting beams being 7. The apparatus according to claim 6 further comprising an additional support formed between said frame and said support surface and arranged to prevent said frame from collapsing due to forces resulting from the weight of said scaffold. 14. An apparatus for attaching the vertical support post to the frame comprises at least two connecting joints for rigidly attaching the post to a predetermined one of the structural members, each of the joints in the structural member. An apparatus according to claim 1 having a fastener arranged to extend through at least one of said pair of openings. 15. The scaffold is suspended from the frame,
An apparatus for attaching the vertical support pillars to the frame includes a monorail formed by a predetermined member of the structural members that are integrally attached to form the frame, and a monorail suspended from the monorail, and a load is suspended from each of them. The device according to claim 1, comprising at least two trolleys configured to be able to travel along the entire length of the monorail, and a device for fastening the vertical column to the trolley. 16. Each of the trolleys has a lock pin hole formed therein, the lock pin hole passing through the hole, and the plurality of openings in the structural member constituting the monorail. 16. The device according to claim 15, wherein said trolley is arranged so that it can be inserted into at least one of the interiors of said housing and said trolley is immovably restrained relative to said monorail when said locking pin is so inserted. . 17. A device for rigidly attaching the monorail to one or more components of a structure,
A device according to claim 15 for forming a foothold to a structure. 18. The mounting device comprises a plurality of monorail support brackets, each of which is attached to the one or more components, and the structural members which are equal to the number of the support brackets and which respectively constitute the monorail. A plurality of connection joints having fasteners disposed through at least one of the pair of openings and a monorail connection joint associated with each of the monorail support brackets, each having a length. And a monorail support arm configured to be adjustable, arranged at both ends of the arm and hinged to attach each end of the arm to one of the brackets and one of the connecting joints. A device according to claim 17 having a pair of pivot connections. 19. Each of said connecting joints has an arcuate surface attached to an adjacent pivotal connector and having a radius of curvature approximately equal to a radius of curvature of an outer surface of said member forming said monorail, and further comprising: A support plate bracket whose arcuate surface is adjacent to and at least partially surrounds the outer surface of the monorail member; and a force in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane extending tangentially to the arcuate surface of the bracket. A device for fastening the monorail member generated on the member to the support plate bracket. Device according to claim 18. 20. The male hinge having a pair of pivot connectors attached to respective ends of the arms, each having a generally cylindrical hinge pin hole extending therethrough. A portion, and a pair of hinge flanges attached to the monorail support bracket and the monorail connection joint, respectively, separated by a distance equal to the total length of the hinge pin holes, each of which has a substantially cylindrical shape extending therethrough. A pair of female hinges each having a shaped opening, each arranged relative to an associated male hinge portion such that the longitudinal axis of the flange opening is coaxial with the associated longitudinal axis of the hinge pin hole. A portion of the hollow cylinder, the portion of the hollow cylinder being disposed in the flange opening so as to extend through the opening and into the associated hinge pin hole. A pivot sleeve having a shape, and the female hinge portion disposed within each of the pivot sleeves with the pivot sleeve in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hole relative to the male hinge portion. 19. The method according to claim 18 wherein movement is restrained while at the same time said female hinge portion has a substantially circular hinge pin arranged for rotation about said longitudinal axis relative to said male hinge portion. apparatus. 21. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the monorail includes curved portions arranged to follow the contour of the structure to be approached and provided. 22. The scaffold is suspended from the frame,
The apparatus for attaching the vertical support posts to the frame comprises a pair of suspension cable attachments attached to the frame and a pair of suspension cables attached to the cable attachments, the cables being scaffolding constructed. The device of claim 1 extending downwardly from the fixture through a space, wherein the scaffolds are each foldably joined end-to-end and with each other. A pair of vertical support pole chains arranged so as to extend substantially vertically along the cables, and a device attached to the upper end of each chain for grasping the associated cable and selectively moving the pole chains up and down. A plurality of walking boards extending substantially horizontally between the vertical pillar chains, each of which can move vertically with respect to the vertical pillar chains, and each of the walking boards. A device according to claim 1 having each vertical pole chain and a device for selectively and individually connecting to the associated cable at a predetermined level. 23. The scaffolding further comprises guardrails associated with each of the stepboards, rigidly attached to the vertical support posts at a predetermined level such that each of the guardrails lies generally horizontally between the vertical support posts. A device according to claim 1 which is provided. 24. The scaffold is attached to the vertical posts, and the at least two cables extend diagonally between the vertical posts, respectively, and the vertical posts are aligned in a straight line substantially perpendicular to the horizontal step board. The device according to claim 1, comprising a device for adjusting the tension of each of the cables to effect. 25. A pivoting composite connector for hingedly attaching two structural members together, the connector being attached to one of the structural members and extending substantially the length of the hinge. A male hinge portion having a pin hole defined therein, and a pair of hinge flanges attached to another one of the two structural members and separated by a distance equal to the total length of the female hinge pin hole. And each of the flanges has a substantially cylindrical opening therethrough and is disposed with respect to the male hinge portion, and wherein the flange and the opening are such that the longitudinal axis of each opening is the longitudinal axis of the hole. A female hinge part that is shaped so as to be positioned coaxially with the direction axis, and is arranged in each flange opening so as to extend through the opening and further into the hole, and each of the hollow cylinders as a whole. With a pivoting sleeve with a shape Located within each of the pivot sleeves, together with associated pivot sleeves, to prevent the female hinge portion from moving relative to the male hinge portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aperture, and at the same time. A pivotal compound connector including a generally cylindrical hinge pin arranged for rotation about the longitudinal axis with respect to the male hinge portion. 26. The connector according to claim 25, wherein the pivot sleeves disposed within the flange opening are integrally connected to form a unitary structure extending across the hole. 27. An inner diameter of each of the flange openings,
The outer diameter of each of the pivot sleeves and the inner diameter of the portion of the hinge pin hole containing each of the pivot sleeves are all such that the inner surface of the hole adjacent the outer surface of the pivot sleeve and the flange opening and the space therebetween. A connector according to claim 25, dimensioned to obtain a close mechanical fit with the connector. 28. Each of the pivot sleeve and associated hinge pin is further configured to be constrained by the hinge pin so that the pivot sleeve is axially non-movable with respect to the cylindrical bore. A connector according to claim 25. 29. A connector according to claim 28, wherein each of said hinge pins comprises a bolt. 30. An apparatus for rigidly attaching a scaffold member to one or more components of a structure to be approached, a plurality of devices arranged to be attached to each of said components. A support bracket, a plurality of connection joints attached to the scaffolding member, the number of which is equal to the number of the support brackets, and a connection joint associated with each of the support brackets so that the length can be adjusted. A support arm having a shape, a male hinge portion attached to each end of the support arm and having a substantially cylindrical hinge pin hole extending the entire length therein, A bracket and a pair of hinge flanges, each attached to the connection joint and separated by a distance equal to the total length of the hinge pin hole, Each of the flanges has a generally cylindrical opening therethrough, and each of the flanges has an associated male shape such that the longitudinal axis of each flange opening is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the associated hinge pin hole. A pair of female hinge portions arranged relative to the hinge portion, and arranged in the flange opening so as to extend through the opening and further into the associated hinge pin holes, each having the general shape of a hollow cylinder. And a pivot sleeve disposed within each of the pivot sleeves, and with the pivot sleeve, in the female hinge portion, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hole relative to the male hinge portion. Mounting a scaffolding member to a structure having a substantially cylindrical hinge pin arranged to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the male hinge portion at the same time. Because of the device. 31. The scaffolding member comprises a monorail having a circular cross-section, and each of the connecting joints is attached to an adjacent pivot connector and has a radius of curvature approximately equal to a radius of curvature of an outer surface of the monorail. A support plate bracket including an arcuate surface having the arcuate surface, the arcuate surface being adjacent to and at least partially surrounding the outer surface of the monorail member; and connecting to the arcuate surface of the bracket. 31. The device according to claim 30, comprising a device for fastening the monorail member to the support plate bracket so as to exert a force on the monorail member in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane extending in the direction.